In a shocking incident that has heightened tensions in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, the Deputy Chairman of the Local Government Area, Mr. Christopher Chia, was attacked by suspected cultists in the early hours of Thursday, July 3.
Local security sources disclosed that a group of young men, believed to be members of the notorious Black Axe confraternity, stormed the residence of Chia at around 6:00 a.m., launching a coordinated assault that left the local official seriously shaken.
According to the sources, “a distress call was received from the Deputy Chairman, prompting an immediate response from police patrol and tactical teams.”
The operatives swiftly intervened, rescuing Mr. Chia and rushing him to Toro Hospital in Katsina-Ala, where he received medical attention and was later discharged.
Preliminary investigations have so far led to the arrest of four suspects linked to the assault.
Authorities are now intensifying their manhunt for the key suspect, identified only as Richard, believed to be a ranking member of the Black Axe cult group.
The Benue State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has begun a comprehensive probe into the motive behind the ambush. Security sources assured that all culprits will be brought to book.